Taking a break from the mental ethos of quarantine and isolation. Escaping into colour, which can feel like another dimension, away from the uncertainties of these days. Boredom, hunger, homelessness, and fear have gone viral, depending on one’s social location. And in the midst of so much callous disregard for the plight of the world’s vulnerable populations, spring is fighting to be born in the northern hemisphere. Climate conditions predict an active summer for storms and hurricanes, but the colours of spring flowers, a May twilight, birds and animals are still here to be enjoyed while we can. I was rereading old poetry to take some time out of the news and more “weighty” topics. I came across a poem, I seem to remember reading in primary school…Fitting, for an intermission from all things exploitative and cruel, like public policies that put profit before people!

Color
BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI
What is pink? a rose is pink
By a fountain’s brink.
What is red? a poppy’s red
In its barley bed.
What is blue? the sky is blue
Where the clouds float thro’.
What is white? a swan is white
Sailing in the light.
What is yellow? pears are yellow,
Rich and ripe and mellow.
What is green? the grass is green,
With small flowers between.
What is violet? clouds are violet
In the summer twilight.
What is orange? Why, an orange,
Just an orange!